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We are excited to be hosting our 2nd Annual Art of Transformation Reception and Client Art Show on May 5, 2016, at the Toolbox in Dupont Circle. We guarantee a fun evening — guests are invited to mingle, enjoy tasty bites and our signature drinks, and take in the artwork created by our clients. Closing the evening will be our raffle drawing, which includes airline tickets, wine, art supplies, and more.

All proceeds benefit our clients who are working each day toward gaining their stability, pursuing their goals, and maintaining a healthy state.

2015 was truly a year of celebration, progress, and accomplishment for McClendon Center. We invite you to review this 2015 Annual Report and learn about our new client-focused programs and activities, and the impact that further reflects our dedication to providing services that best meet the needs of our clients. Download the 2015 Annual Report here.

Join us on May 5, 2016, at the Toolbox in Dupont Circle or a fun evening. Instead of long speeches or a formal dinner, mingle with guests, take in the artwork created by our clients, delight in tasty bites and cocktails, and take your chance in our raffle drawings.

All proceeds benefit McClendon Center, a community-based mental health organization in the District, providing programs and services to more than 1,000 adults diagnosed with serious mental illness. By participating in our event, you’ll be supporting our clients who are working each day toward gaining their stability, pursuing their goals, and maintaining a healthy state.

Visit our Event page for more information and to purchase your ticket.

At last night’s Board meeting, a new leadership slate was introduced as Sarah Barclay Hofflman stepped down as Chair; however, Sarah will remain on the Board as a member. Two members stepped off the Board — Emily Gantz McKay (Treasurer) and Ann Clements. We are very grateful to each of them for their years of service.

PLEASE HELP US REACH OUR #GIVINGTUESDAY GOAL OF $1,500 FOR MEDICAL SUPPLIES
When you contribute to McClendon Center, you’re helping to provide hope and healthier lives to our more than 1,000 men and women who are living with mental illness. So often, when a client first comes to us, they have broken ties to family, have difficulties managing the symptoms of their mental illness, and/or have other health issues. McClendon Center not only provides psychiatric treatment, we also offer community support, group counseling and workgroups, and access to primary health care.

DID YOU KNOW that people with severe mental illness die 25 years earlier than the general population? Many of these deaths are due to chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension and cardio-vascular disease). But WHY? Though most of these chronic conditions are treatable — and maybe even preventable — people with severe mental disorders are less likely to take care of their health, have access to primary care, and/or the symptoms of their mental illness affect their ability to make healthcare decisions. In additon, medications to treat their mental illness can have side effects (such as causing weight gain and diabetes) that affect their physical well-being. Furthermore, there is evidence that individuals with serious mental health conditions often do not receive the same levels of care as the general population – mostly likely due to disadvantages such as unemployment, disenfranchisement, and their socio-economic status.

In 2016, McClendon Center will be launching a Health Home team, which will better serve our clients by integrating primary and behavior health care services. In addition to psychosocial treatment, Health Home staff (nurses and Health Home coordinators) will be responsible for assessments, working with clients on setting health goals, documenting and reviewing progress, and adjusting strategies as needed.

HOW YOUR #GIVINGTUESDAY GIFT WILL HELP: Our goal is to raise $1,500 to help cover the costs of medical equipment such as professional-grade blood pressure monitors and scales, glucose testing supplies, and portable blood pressure devices for Health Home coordinators to use while in the field.TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP CHANGE THE LIVES OF OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO ARE WORKING TOWARD STABILITY, INDEPENDENCE, AND BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

A big thank you to Dr. Tanya Royster, Director of DC’s Department of Behavioral Health, for taking time to visit with McClendon Center. In October, Dr. Royster met with several of our clients as well as Dennis Hobb, our Executive Director; Sarah Barclay Hoffman, Chair of our Board of Directors, and Steve Luteran, our newly-joined Director of Health Homes and Clinical Services.

Dr. Royster, staff and clients candidly shared their thoughts about the successes and challenges that’s faced by the DC DBH — and what might help improve services for our community members struggling with mental illness and other behavior health conditions. Personal stories, viewpoints, and ideas were exchanged around the room and testaments were made espousing the benefits of community programs and services such as those provided by agencies like McClendon Center. At the conclusion of our meeting, a client ask Dr. Royster what she thought of our organization. With sincerity and heart, she looked at each one of the attendees and said, “…YOU are the heart and soul of McClendon Center” and reminded them that, when they are ready to “graduate” that she hopes they consider becoming mentors/peer counselors to the next group of individuals who come to McClendon Center seeking support and care.

McClendon Center earned the only 2015 five-star Provider Scorecard rating by the DC Department of Behavioral Health. The Scorecard evaluates 22 DC community-based mental health providers for quality of services, adherence to Federal and District regulations and policy requirements as well as financial compliance. This honor is a reflection of our clients’ commitment to their recovery, the teamwork and hard work among our staff, and the leadership of our Board of Directors. Click on the link to view how our services were rated:McClendon Center Scorecard.

McClendon Center

McClendon Center serves the needs of adults diagnosed with serious mental illness through our Core Services Agency, Day Program and other services. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization based in Washington DC.